US sees progress in Zelenskyy's proposal for a peace deal referendum
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (president.gov.ua)
The United States considers Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement about a possible referendum on a peace agreement that provides for the transfer of part of Ukrainian territory to be progress, reports Axios.
According to the official, Zelenskyy said in his public statements on Thursday that the question of the fairness of any compromises should be determined by the Ukrainian people through a referendum or elections.
Russia insists on control of the entire Donbas, despite the fact that about 14% of the region's territory currently remains under Ukraine's control. The US has included this Russian demand in its plan, while proposing that the disputed territory become a demilitarized zone.
However, Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about the US proposal to create a “free economic zone” in Donbas and called for clarification on other aspects of the agreement. The White House representative added that European partners have also expressed their willingness to support a referendum if Zelenskyy makes such a decision.
Holding such a vote in the current circumstances would be a very difficult task. But, according to the US official, the Europeans said during Friday's meeting that if Zelenskyy proposed a referendum on the territory, they would support it.
Peace plan
The initial US peace plan, consisting of 28 points and reflecting Russia's position, was unacceptable to Ukraine and its European partners. After consultations, the document was reduced to 20 points and amended to make it more acceptable to Kyiv.
The most difficult issue remains that of territory: Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine would not agree to cede any part of its land. Kyiv has already sent the US an updated response with proposals for resolving the disputed issues, but there is still no final agreed package of documents.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff will meet with European leaders and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin. The event is of key importance given the White House's desire to achieve peace in Ukraine.
